Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz starred with the ball, claiming five wickets as Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for 274 on the second day of the rain-affected second Test at Rawalpindi on Saturday.
Half-centuries from Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, and Salman Agha helped Pakistan post a competitive total, but the visitors took control with a disciplined bowling display.
At stumps, Bangladesh had reached 10 for no loss, with Shadman Islam batting on six and Zakir Hasan on zero. The visitors are looking to build a strong reply in their quest to secure a 2-0 series victory after winning the first Test at the same venue by 10 wickets.
– Miraz Leads Charge –
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer for Bangladesh, taking 5-61, while Taskin Ahmed supported him well with figures of 3-57. The day began on a challenging note for Pakistan as Taskin, who was brought into the side after Shoriful Islam suffered a groin injury, struck early. He bowled Abdullah Shafique with a swinging delivery in the very first over after Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field.
Despite the early blow, Pakistan recovered to reach 99-1 at lunch, with Masood bringing up his 10th Test half-century. However, the captain's resilience ended shortly after the break when Miraz trapped him lbw for 57.
– Bangladesh Bowlers Dominate –
With the second-wicket partnership of 107 runs broken, Bangladesh's bowlers gained momentum. Miraz struck again, stumping Saim Ayub for 58 as he misjudged a flighted delivery. Taskin added to Pakistan's woes by dismissing Saud Shakeel, who had earlier survived a drop at slip, for just one run after chopping the ball onto his stumps.
Bangladesh continued to apply pressure, with Miraz removing the out-of-form Babar Azam for 31 before tea. Pakistan’s middle order struggled as Mohammad Rizwan fell for 29 shortly after the break, leaving the hosts in trouble at 211-6.
– Late Wickets secure Bangladesh's advantage –
The Bangladesh bowlers maintained their dominance late in the day. Miraz struck twice more, dismissing Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali, before Taskin removed Salman Agha for 54. Miraz then capped off his exceptional day by stumping Abrar Ahmed, wrapping up Pakistan's innings at 274.
With a strong start at the crease, Bangladesh will aim to capitalize on their bowling performance and build a substantial lead on day three as they chase a series win.
